Apply For A Business License
Albany, Georgia

Who needs a business license to operate a small business in Albany, GA?

A business license, which is called an Occupational Tax Certificate in the City of Albany, Dougherty County, is required for all businesses operating within the City of Albany or Dougherty County. You must apply for a business license with the City of Albany, Dougherty County even if you are a registered business in a different county in Georgia.

Do I need zoning approval to operate a small business in Albany?

Yes. Before you submit a business license application, you must first verify that your business is zoned correctly by checking with the

Planning & Development Department

(Albany Georgia Business License). To do this, contact the Planning & Development Department by visiting them at 240 Pine Avenue, Room 300 or by calling them at (229) 438-3901. All businesses at commercial locations must also obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. To do this, you must be inspected by the City of Albany Fire Department Inspector. You can contact the Fire Department at (229) 431-3239.

Does my business require any additional certificates or approvals?

Grocery and convenience stores must be approved by the Department of Agriculture and must obtain all required food permits.

Corporations must obtain certification as a corporation operating in Georgia from the Secretary of State.

Nonprofit organizations must provide proof of nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service.

For more information on these additional requirements, please see the Regular Businesses information sheet located here.

How do I apply for my business license?

After you obtain approval from the Planning Department, you must submit an Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) application, an Affidavit Verifying Status for City Public Benefit (hereafter referred to as the Affidavit Verifying Status), and the appropriate fee to the Finance Department for the City of Albany. The application and affidavit can be obtained (Albany Georgia Business License) or by calling the Treasury Division at (229) 431-2118. If you are planning to operate your business from your home, you must also submit a completed Home Occupation Affidavit, which can be found (Albany Georgia Business License) or by calling the Treasury Division at (229) 431-2118.

For the Occupational Tax Business License Application, you will need to know information such as the name of your business, its location, the nature of your business, your tax ID number, your State Sales Tax ID number (if applicable), the number of employees, and name and address of the owner. A copy of the individual applicant’s driver’s license is also required.

By signing the Affidavit Verifying Status, you are stating that you are legally able to obtain a business license in the State of Georgia. The document must be notarized. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you may be required to provide additional documentation such as your alien registration number. Please see the Affidavit Verifying Status for more information.

How much does a business license cost in Albany, GA?

The cost of your business license depends on how many people you employ and your anticipated gross receipts. Call the Treasury Division at (229) 431-2118 for more information.

Where can I find additional information about applying for a business license in Albany, GA?

You can find more information in the forms on the City of Albany, Dougherty County website found here (Albany City Website). You can also call them at (229) 431-2118 or visit the office at 240 Pine Street, Suite 150, Albany, GA 31702.

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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.